Conservation Funding Available to Maryland Dairies in Frederick, Washington, and Carroll Counties

Beltsville, Md., Sept. 6, 2023 — USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is encouraging small dairy farmers to submit applications for the Engaging Small Animal Feeding Operations in the Nutrient Management Planning Process Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project in Maryland.

RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. By leveraging collective resources and collaborating on common goals, RCPP demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in delivering results for agriculture and conservation.

The Engaging Small AFOs in the Nutrient Management Planning Process project seeks to reduce nutrient and sediment loss associated with small dairy AFOs by encouraging the development and implementation of Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans. It is available to small dairy operations interested in developing comprehensive nutrient management plans and implementing plan practices, including waste storage structures, animal mortality facilities, heavy use areas, barnyard runoff practices, animal exclusion practices, and enhanced nutrient management (such as manure injection), among others. It is available to producers in Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties.

Farmers and forestland owners may apply for conservation funding at any time throughout the year, but funding selections are made at specific times and the sign-up deadline for this RCPP project is Oct. 13, 2023. Landowners interested in applying for program funding should call their local USDA service center to schedule an appointment with NRCS staff.

Interested producers in Frederick and Washington counties should contact NRCS District Conservationist Brent Cammauf at 301-732-8580. Producers in Carroll County should contact NRCS District Conservationist Eric Hines at 443-477-1231. Visit farmers.gov for USDA service center locations.

For more information about all RCPP projects offered by Maryland NRCS and its partners, visit the NRCS Maryland website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/Maryland.